Will Young is seen for the first time since quitting Strictly Come Dancing – and says he’s ‘dandy’ after ‘undramatic exit’
The Leave Right Now singer announced he was dropping out of the BBC show after just two weeks yesterday
WILL Young looks lost in thought as he's seen for the first time since announcing he was quitting Strictly Come Dancing.
The Leave Right Now singer made his shock move yesterday evening, and while there's no official line on why he stopped taking part in the show so abruptly, he broke his silence earlier today.
He tweeted Chris Evans on his Radio 2 Breakfast Show to provide a first hand update.
It read: "Here's the thing. I'm absolutely dandy, thanks.
"It's all very undramatic really. I've done my statement and others can say what they want to say. I never read what they say anyhow."
This morning Will was spotted out near his home grabbing coffees and walking his two adorable dogs, wrapped up against the autumn morning chill.
Will, 37, cited “personal reasons” but gave no further explanation for his shock withdrawal from the hit BBC show.
It comes after he clashed with head judge Len Goodman on Saturday night after he complained there wasn’t enough salsa in his Bollywood routine.
Will replied that there were 24 counts of eight in the dance, but it caused Len to tell him to "show up, keep up and shut up”.
He said in a statement: “To be a part of Strictly has been a long time ambition of mine.
"As a performer, a viewer, and a fan of the show, to dance as a contestant was an experience I always hoped for.
“I have made some great friends, and am in awe of their performances week in, week out. I have found a creative partnership with Karen that has been the most wonderful thing to experience.
"I will be eternally grateful to her for her direction, talent and guiding me through three wonderful dances that I will be able to show my grandkids in years to come.
“Unfortunately, I am leaving the show for personal reasons.
"I leave with joy in my heart that I have been able to take part in one of the most loved shows on British television.
“I am so grateful to everyone who works on Strictly from the lighting designer to catering to the production team. Strictly truly is the most unique family and I thank them from the bottom of my heart.
“And finally thank you to the BBC for supporting me throughout my journey. I wish my compatriots so much luck, and although I am back to being a viewer again, I’m certainly going to ‘keeeep dancing’!”
BBC sources last night said the hit series that has attracted more than 10 million viewers, will continue this weekend as normal with an elimination.
Following his departure, Strictly fans had pleaded for the return of EastEnders star Tameka Empson after her shock exit on Sunday.
But a Strictly spokesperson told The Sun Online: “The series will continue as planned with an elimination every week until the grand final.
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“The previous eliminated contestants will not be returning to the competition.”
Today several bookies revealed they would be refunding bets placed on the Pop Idol winner.
A William Hill spokesman said: “Given that Will Young’s departure was seemingly for non-dancing reasons, we don’t think our customers who have backed him have been given a fair crack and we are happy to let them have their money back."
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